The Thesis Statement

Writing and Reading Center Moreno Valley Campus

What is a thesis statement?

It is an arguable statement. It is a complete sentence that expresses your position/opinion on a given topic.

It narrows down your topic to a specific, single focus of investigation.

It establishes a direction for the entire paper. It is usually stated in your introduction.

What is not a thesis statement?

A thesis is never a question; it could be the answer to a question. A thesis is not an announcement of purpose. A thesis is not simply a topic. A thesis is not a fact.

Writing a Thesis

A thesis has two parts

Topic: the main subject to be discussed in the essay

Opinion: what the writer thinks about the main subject to be discussed (the topic)

Topic: Community College Students Opinion: Work diligently to pass class, to transfer to universities, and to earn four-year degrees. Thesis: Community college students work diligently to pass class, to transfer to universities, and to earn four-year degrees.

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement

What causes violence in children?

Poor A thesis statement is not a question!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement

The purpose of my paper is to identify the causes of violence.

Poor A thesis is not an announcement of purpose!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement

The education system in the United States.

Poor A thesis statement is not just a topic!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement

Teen pregnancy can be reduced with good education, parental support, and birth control.

Yes, a thesis statement reflects a position!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement

I would like to discuss how teachers and students can develop better relationships. Poor A thesis is not an announcement of purpose!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement

I had squash, tomatoes, and corn in my garden last year.

Poor A thesis statement is not too narrow!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement

Vegetable gardening can be a frustrating hobby.

Yes, a thesis statement reflects a position!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement

Honesty and trust in the classroom.

Poor A thesis statement is not just a topic!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement

Honesty and trust play an important role in successful teacher-student relationships.

Yes, a thesis statement reflects a position!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement

Advertising has bad effects on all of society.

Poor A thesis statement is not too broad!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement

What can be done to reduce violence in schools? Who is to blame-- the parents, the schools, or society in general? Poor A thesis statement is not a question!

Determine whether the following is a good or poor thesis statement

Toy ads on television teach children to be greedy, competitive, and snobbish.

Yes, a thesis statement reflects a position!

Where can you go for additional help with writing assignments?

Writing Reading Center: HUM 232 Meet with an Instructor on Duty

Meet with a tutor

Talk with your instructor Organize a study group